The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our goal is to help children start their dental journey on the right foot with kid-friendly care that fosters a positive relationship with the dental team. We want children to feel comfortable and engaged, empowering them to take responsibility for their own oral health. Establishing happy, healthy habits early on sets the stage for a lifetime of dental care they’ll actually enjoy.
Pediatric dental care ensures this from the very first visit, through fun, gentle teeth cleanings, and at each milestone your child experiences. We’re here to guide them as they discover their new teeth, lose baby teeth, grow in their adult teeth, and handle other shared experiences like getting a filling (which isn’t so scary after all!) or considering orthodontics in their teenage years.
Why is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
You might wonder why children’s dental care is essential, especially since baby teeth fall out eventually. While it’s true that children lose their primary teeth, these early teeth play a crucial role in a child’s overall development. By the age of 3, most children have all their baby teeth, and by age 6, these start to fall out, making way for adult teeth, which are typically all in place by their early teens. The health of their baby teeth impacts their adult teeth, making early dental care incredibly important.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, children are at risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Children often normalize discomfort without expressing it, which means they may be suffering silently. If you notice your child avoiding hot, cold, or chewy foods or chewing on only one side of their mouth, they might be coping with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby Teeth Set the Stage for Adult Teeth
As baby teeth fall out, the roots are reabsorbed, and the space left behind guides the adult teeth. Premature loss of a baby tooth can lead to crowding or misalignment of the adult teeth. Keeping baby teeth healthy ensures adult teeth have the best foundation to come in properly.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
A full, healthy set of teeth is essential for children as they learn to speak, smile, and interact with others. Dental issues, pain, or sensitivity can hinder their ability to express themselves and can even impact how they are perceived by peers. Healthy teeth contribute to greater self-confidence as children grow and develop social skills.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
Proper nutrition is vital for children, and healthy teeth play a key role in eating a balanced diet. If your child is experiencing dental pain, they may avoid certain foods, which can limit their nutrition. Developing habits like chewing on one side of the mouth or avoiding textured foods can start as a coping mechanism and lead to long-term issues. Ensuring your child has a healthy mouth helps them enjoy a variety of foods and supports their overall growth.
Your Child’s First Appointment
At our practice, our main priority is your child’s health, comfort, and satisfaction. In pediatric dentistry, we take extra care to address the unique challenges young patients face while they’re in the chair. We focus on monitoring key oral health milestones and markers specific to children and speak to your child in a friendly, reassuring way to make them feel safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Every child is different—some are curious and ask lots of questions, while others may feel shy, cautious, or anxious about new experiences. Our goal is to make sure all kids feel comfortable and positive about visiting the dentist. We start each appointment by listening to your child’s thoughts and concerns, explaining what we’ll be doing during the visit in kid-friendly terms, and answering any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
During the exam, we will carefully check your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, paying special attention to children-specific markers like the progress of their primary teeth and adult teeth. This helps us identify any areas that may need extra attention, either at home or in future visits.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we will provide advice for both the child and the parent or guardian. We might offer tips on brushing hard-to-reach spots at home, and we’ll let you know if there are any concerns to monitor between visits. Together, we’ll ensure your child’s dental health stays on track as a team!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Bukhari is the winner of the 3 Best Dentists in Norfolk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentistry focuses on providing dental care for children from infancy through their teen years. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to manage the many changes children’s mouths go through as they transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of young patients.
Your child will start cutting their first teeth around 6 months old. It’s recommended to schedule their first visit to the dentist by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth erupting. If you notice any issues, or if your child seems to be in pain, don’t wait—book an appointment as soon as possible. It’s never too late for a first dental visit!
Pediatric dentists specialize in the dental care of patients from 6 months old up to 18 years old, or until the age of majority. After that, your child can transition to a general dentist for continued care.
Just like adults, toddlers should visit the dentist regularly, typically every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. Depending on your child’s specific needs, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits. It’s important not to wait more than a year between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, don’t delay—schedule an appointment right away.
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